The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is the sequel to the classic SNES action adventure A Link to the Past. Set six generations after the events of the 1992 title, A Link Between Worlds features the same top-down viewpoint along with the ability to travel between two parallel dimensions of Hyrule.

Players control the descendant of the hero Link as he embarks on a adventure to stop the mysterious Yuga from obtaining the power of the Triforce. Link will travel across Hyrule and the dark dimension of Lorule in order to free the seven sages and prevent the resurrection of a dark power.

Players have greater freedom in choosing how they wish to go about completing dungeons in A Link Between Worlds, because Link's secondary weapons and tools are now rented from a weapon shop using Rupees instead of acquired within dungeons. These can be used as often as desired (barring ammo limitations) until the player is defeated, and they can be acquired permanently later in the game for an outright purchase involving a larger Rupee fee. Weapons and tools are upgraded by locating and returning lost creatures called Maiamais to their mother.

Link gains the ability to transform into a painting version of himself following an in-game event, allowing players to travel along walls for a limited time. This ability is also key in traveling between Hyrule and Lorule, as mysterious crevices in certain walls link the two worlds.

A Link Between Worlds takes advantage of the 3DS' stereoscopic 3D for the in-game graphics, as well as the secondary screen for quick inventory and weapon/tool access during gameplay.